I t was just after two when I pulled my car into the parking garage on Santa Monica Boulevard and climbed the four flights to my office there in the heart of West Hollywood. The office was empty, exactly as I had left it two hours and forty minutes ago. I had wanted to burst through the door and tell my employees that I was working for a major national television star, only I had no employees. I have a partner named Joe Pike, but he's rarely around. Even when he is, conversation is not his forte. I took out Lucille Chenier's business card and dialed her office. A bright southern voice said, "Ms. Chenier's office. This is Darlene."

I told her who I was and asked if Ms. Chenier was available.

Darlene said, "Oh, Mr. Cole. Mr. Markowitz phoned us about you."

"There goes the element of surprise."

She said, "Ms. Chenier's in court this afternoon. May I help?"

I told her that I would be flying in tomorrow, and asked if we might set a time for me to meet with Ms. Chenier.

"Absolutely. Would three o'clock do?"

"Sounds good."

"If you like, I can book you into the Riverfront Howard Johnson. It's very nice." She sounded happy to do it.

"That would be great. Thank you."

She said, "Would you like someone to meet you at the airport? We'd be happy to send a car."

"Thanks, but I think I can manage."

"Well, you have a fine flight and we'll look forward to seeing you tomorrow." I could feel her smiling across the phone, happy to be of service, happy to help, and happy to speak with me. Maybe Louisiana was the Land of Happy People.

I said, "Darlene?"

"Yes, Mr. Cole?"

"Is this what they mean by southern hospitality?"

"Why, we're just happy to help."

I said, "Darlene, you sound the way magnolias smell."

She laughed. "Oh, Mr. Cole. Aren't you the one."

Some people just naturally make you smile.

I dialed Joe Pike's condo and got his answering machine. It answered on the first ring and Joe's voice said, "Speak." You see what I mean about the conversation?